Their counterparts in Hong Kong, including China Telecom (Hong Kong) Ltd., paced gains in the Hang Seng Index, pulling it up 0.6 percent.

EUROPE

Auto stocks rose, led by DaimlerChrysler AG after it reported 1999 sales that beat forecasts. German banks and insurers declined, led by Deutsche Bank AG, on concern recent gains left shares expensive relative to their profit outlook.

The Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 index of companies in the 11-nation euro region added 3.53 points to 4,788.7. The U.K. and Irish stock markets were closed for the Christmas holiday. Deutsche Bank and Dresdner Bank AG, both of which soared at least 20 percent in three trading sessions, declined as investors concluded enthusiasm for proposed tax changes in Germany was overdone.